Free The Heart of the Phoenix by Barbara Bettis

myself.”
    Evie accepted the provisions with thanks. “I appreciate your hospitality. You made us very welcome.”
    Lady Joan’s beaming face brought light to the shadowed hall. “Oh, don’t mistake. It is I who appreciate the company. Such a treat to speak with another lady. I only wish you might remain longer.”
    She stepped closer, and her voice lowered. “Since you’ve known Sir Stephen for so long, I needn’t warn you to disregard his bullying.” She glanced his way. “He’s in a rare temper. ’Twas the message last eve. Even my lord worried over it far into the night. Beware. If the Phoenix suspects danger, he’ll turn tyrant to keep you safe.”
    The Phoenix? Why would she call Stephen by such a name? Evie nodded as if she understood but avoided Lady Joan’s eyes.
    And to what danger did she refer? Was it the same menace that forced the party into flight a day earlier? But theirs was a small, unthreatening group that traveled peacefully. Why would anyone wish harm for an unimportant lady and two monks on pilgrimage to…what was the pair’s destination? In the turmoil of discovering Stephen, then dealing with the strain of being in his presence, she’d completely forgotten to ask. To what holy site did they venture?
    Evie caught Lady Joan’s anxious frown at Sir Armand, and a flash of uncertainty chilled her. Perhaps an earlier instinct proved right. This pilgrimage masked a different mission.
    Grasping at the thread of earlier conversation, she asked, “Why would Sir Stephen anticipate a threat to our journey?”
    Lady Joan’s eyes widened, and her face pinked. “Um…that is something you should ask him. Please excuse me, Lady Evie. I must gather supplies for the men.”
    Evie frowned as the lady—fled, the only word to describe her rapid retreat. Danger, was it? Sir Stephen owed her an explanation, and she intended to extract one. Later, she decided, as he joined Macsen at the doors. Again that unspoken command drew everyone outside. For now, they rode.
    The pace proved as grueling as that of the last two days. More than once, Evie recalled Lady Joan’s comment about Stephen’s speed of travel. He hadn’t required anyone to gallop yet, but she wouldn’t be surprised if he did.
    Without Davy’s presence, Marie would have been a soggy lump of tears. But the young man kept the maid entertained with stories about England and his exciting exploits since becoming a squire for Lord Henry. His previous lord, Sir Giles, lived all too calm a life these days, and Davy sought adventure.
    Macsen approached and reined his mount around. The big knight nodded solemnly. “We’re to stop up ahead, my lady. The captain thought you’d want to distribute provisions the Lady Joan sent.”
    “What wonderful news. I’m sure the men will be happy for a break as well.” Evie squinted to make out the area he’d waved toward. The trees looked inviting. Try as she might to appear unshaken, she was tired. Those blasted dreams.
    Her attitude had mellowed as they rode, but the exhaustion grew. Overall, the morning failed to reach any definition of pleasant. Perhaps she’d feel better after eating. So thoughtful of Lady Joan to provide food for everyone. Evie liked the lady. They might have become friends, given more time.
    The group reached the trees soon. She unpacked the provisions and shoved a chunk of bread and wedge of cheese at Marie to give Stephen. Except for a flashing glance, he made no notice of her obvious efforts to ignore him. That slip would have gone unnoticed had she been able to keep her own gaze away from him.
    Soon after, calling herself all manner of foolish, she concentrated on gathering the remnants of the meal. One of the guards packed the food into a leather satchel while she folded the blanket.
    Macsen appeared at her side once again to help her mount.
    “I hope the stop has refreshed you, my lady.” He held his hands for her foot.
    She longed to tell him precisely how she felt about